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NEWS

Short Update: Police in the Netherlands given power to take saliva samples for corona-related crimes

FairTrialsAdmin - April 30, 2020 - COVID-19 Updates, New criminal offences, Extended police powers

On 24 April 2020, the Netherlands COVID-19 Emergency Act (Verzamelwet COVID-19) took effect. This Act gives the police the power to take a mouth swab of saliva from any person who intentionally spits or coughs at or on a police officer, with the purpose of testing this person for COVID-19.   

Regardless of whether the person is tested positive for COVID-19, the Public Prosecutor's Office is prosecuting any persons who intentionally spit or cough on other people while claiming to have COVID-19 for (attempted) aggravated assault. 

Separately, a man was jailed in the UK for spitting at police while claiming he had coronavirus. 

We publish information as it is reported to us. If you would like to make us aware of an inaccuracy or send us more information please email us at [email protected]  

If you are a journalist interested in this story, please call the media team on +44 (0) 7749 785 932 or email [email protected]

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Some activities in the following sections on this website are funded by the European Union’s Justice Programme (2014-2020): Legal Experts Advisory Panel, Defence Rights Map, Case Law Database, Advice Guides, Resources, Campaigns, Publications, News and Events. This content represents the views of the authors only and is their sole responsibility. It cannot be considered to reflect the views of the European Commission or any other body of the European Union. The European Commission does not accept any responsibility for use that may be made of the information it contains.